2024 Interview with Butler High (Pa) school QB of the future Tyson Pino

 

Name: Tyson Pino
School: Butler High School (Butler, PA)
Position(s): QB, DB
Class: 2026

What were your personal goals heading into the 2023 season, and were you able to achieve those goals?

My goal was to be the starter for JV and get some Varsity time, which I did. I was able to start and play an entire game on Varsity. I also had a goal for our team to have a winning season. JV accomplished that goal with a record of 7-2.

Butler dropped to 2-8 last season. What do you feel went wrong, along with what the 2024 team will have to do to turn things around?

Varsity had a lot of injuries, which kept key players on the sidelines at times, in addition to a lack of depth at certain positions. Also putting players in the right positions to make an impact based on their strengths. We needed to spend more time conditioning and reviewing films together. As for what our team is doing to make 2024 different than years past, we are hitting the ground running. After a disappointing 2023, we have all made a commitment to off-season training to get stronger and faster, working with strength and conditioning coaches to be in the best shape once the season hits and avoid unnecessary injuries. The team is also working on a more unified front with a team-first attitude.

What is the most difficult, along with the most rewarding, part of playing quarterback?

The most difficult part of being a QB is making reads under pressure or feeling like I’ve let my team down after a loss. The most rewarding part of being a QB is getting to be a part of it all—every first down, touchdown, and completed pass—and celebrating alongside my teammates. I also love leading my team down the field to score in a close game or completing a perfect pass.

What will you personally have to improve on to become a dominant player in 2024?

I’m personally focusing on getting stronger and faster. I have been hitting the weight room hard and training athletically to increase my speed. I also need to work on my reading and make it faster. I have big goals for my last two years of high school and playing at the next level. In my exit interview this season, my coach said, “I think this is going to be your breakout year.” That is what I am focusing on.

Of the eight losses, which one hurt the most, along with the reasoning? Or talk about one of the JV games.

In our JV game against Seneca Valley, we lost by one score due to an error with the clock. Our JV team, which will be our Varsity team next year, is one to watch. We have been playing together since we were 10 and have always had winning seasons. We beat Seneca Valley that game, the entire game, and our coach thought we had to run one more play. Seneca Valley was offside and blew through our line; no call was made. That won them the game, and I was mad for a while after that. I do not like losing.

Of the road games you have played in, which stadium is the toughest to play in, along with the reasons why?

The game at Seneca Valley was the toughest. It is a large school with lots of fans and a loud marching band. It is also the closest school to us, so there are lots of fans for both teams. It’s a neighborhood rivalry.

What is the hardest part of a Butler practice, along with your favorite part of practice?

The hardest part of practice is always conditioning, especially in those hot summer months. My favorite part is running "Skelly." I love running routes with my receivers!

The game is on the line. What play are you hoping your coach calls?

A go-route to my best receiver.

Who is the one team you want to defeat before your high school career is over?

Seneca Valley—we (JV) lost by one score this year and have beaten them so many times in our age group—we want that win on Varsity.

What did you learn from the 2023 season that you can use this year to be better?

Being at a 6A school means we have 7, 8, and 9th grade teams that are separate from the Varsity program, so quite literally, I learned how to play in the Varsity program. I learned what it feels like to play under the lights with fans and a marching band. I am always learning from a QB perspective, but I would say I learned more about being a leader on the field and that I do not want to lose!

Do you feel that you and your teammates are role models for the young kids who come and root for you?

We are. We help with their practices, and they show up to all our games. It is important that we set a good example on and off the field. They also want to see us win just as badly as we do. I have a younger cousin, about 11 years old, who shows up to every game and asks my parents if I am playing. They love watching us, and especially in a small town, they look up to us. I hope that I can set a good example for them on how to be a good teammate and how hard work on and off the field pays off!

What is one food that you enjoy eating that most others do not?

Eggs, hot peppers, spinach, and goat cheese.